Suspicious Package Halts Metra Trains In Lake Forest

LAKE FOREST (CBS) — Metra Union Pacific/North Line trains were stopped near north suburban Lake Forest because of a suspicious package Friday morning.

The suspicious package was discovered about 9:30 a.m. near the Lake Forest station, 691 N. Western Ave., according to Metra.

At least two trains were stopped as a result of the investigation as of 10 a.m., according to Metra.

Investigators later gave the all clear around 11 a.m. and trains began moving.

Lake Forest Police later issued a statement:

“Police responded and located the duffel bag, approximately 15 feet from the tracks. They shut down car and foot traffic near the scene and contacted Waukegan Fire Department’s Bomb Unit to respond.

“Officers began searching for the subject, described as a white male with a heavy beard and wearing a camouflage jacket, heavy black boots and a baseball cap and carrying a backpack.

“Police officers located the subject inside of CVS Pharmacy, 500 North Western Avenue, where he had locked himself in a bathroom. The store was evacuated and police gained entry into the bathroom where they located Charles E. Mills, age 30, of 1301 North Western Avenue, Lake Forest, huffing from two cans of computer keyboard cleaner he had stolen.

“Mills was taken into custody. No hazardous materials were found on him at the time of arrest.

“Mills is currently in custody and has been charged with disorderly conduct, use of intoxicating compounds and retail theft.”